Finding My Small Town Voice

Danica St. Arnault
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  • Personal Journals

From small town teacher to finding my voice. This is a podcast rooted in a love of learning, healing, and authentic story telling; where making mistakes and failing is encouraged as a means to learn and grow. My vision is to foster a community of hope by having hard and honest conversations about societal expectations and personal growth. This is going to be a messy, imperfect journey, but it will be worth it! 

  1. Jul 29

    Part 2: Masculine and Feminine Energy with Richel Brousseau

    Grab a journal, because there's going to be lots of questions!  In this episode, we will take you on a nature walk to explore the interwoven dynamic of masculine and feminine energies within us. If you're looking for more balance in your life, if you're wanting to explore where you can hold yourself better, if you're ready to invite more living into your day to day life, this conversation is for you! We often get caught up in all of the lists and scheduling of our systems, forgetting that structure is meant to serve life, not suffocate it. If you've been feeling burned out and uninspired, this episode will help you reflect and awaken to the area's of yourself that need tending.  The following are some journal prompt questions to help guide your reflection.  1. What have your experiences in life taught you about being in relationship with the world within you? 2. Who taught you what it meant to be a woman? Or a man? What beliefs, expectations, or roles did you inherit? Which are you ready to release? 3. What relationship do you have with your inner and masculine and feminine? How do these energies express themselves in your life? Where do they feel supported? Where do they create tension? 4. Where do you currently feel out of balance? Is your masculine energy asking for more softness, surrender, or trust? Is your feminine asking for more boundaries, direction, or action? 5. What direction is your energy going? How much energy is directed outward toward relationships? Work? Family? Responsibilities? Expectatons?Are you living from depletion, or is there reciprocity in your life? What replenishes your spirit? What truly feeds your soul? 6. How do you ask for what you need? What feels diffucult to ask for? Support? Rest? Love? Affection? Space? Help? Recognition? What did you learn about having needs? 7. Can you allow yourself to enjoy free time without guilt? Can someone care for yuo without feeling like you need to repay them? What makes receiving uncomfortable? If receiving felt completely safe, what would become possible for you? 8. Where in your life are you simply existing rather than fully living? Where can you invite more of yourself into your life? What would it look like to live with greater presence, preference, and purpose? What is one small way I can honour myself today?

  2. Mar 9

    The Power of Choice: Aligning Action with Intention with Richel Brousseau

    This episode is a deep dive into the architecture of a soulful life. I sat down with trauma practitioner Richel Brousseau, a woman overflowing with wisdom, to explore how we move from simply getting through the day to intentionally evolving. We explore Richel’s transformative life pillars—Accountability, Authority, Insight, Vulnerability, Intention, Faith, and Discernment—and how they serve as the foundation for true alignment. If you’ve been feeling a sense of dissonance between where you are and where your soul needs to be, this conversation is your permission slip. We discuss: The Power of Choice: Why giving yourself permission to evolve is the ultimate act of self-authority.The Intentional Pause: The importance of reflection in a world that demands we never stop.Authentic Living: Getting to know your internal compass, what you stand for, and aligning your life with your soul's missionPresence over Performance: Learning to be present with yourself so you can be present for your life.It’s time to start aligning your actions with your deepest intentions.

  3. 12/02/2025

    Part 2: Understanding your Brain's Soundboard and Nervous System: The Key to Empathy - with Karol Cabaj-Martin

    Ever feel like someone is reacting completely differently than you would in the exact same situation? That's because every brain comes pre-wired with a unique "skill soundboard"—a customized mix of cognitive abilities, emotional regulation, and processing speed that all operate at different levels. In this powerful episode, we explore how understanding fundamental individual skill differences is the fastest path from judgment to genuine curiosity and empathy. But having a great "soundboard" isn't enough; it needs to be powered! We dive deep into the crucial role of nervous system regulation and how it dictates our baseline capacity for connection and competence. You’ll learn actionable, science-backed strategies for stability, including: Breathwork: How simple, regulated breathing can directly signal safety to your brain.Rhythmic Movement: The power of walking, drumming, or rocking to soothe and organize your internal state.Co-regulation: Why connecting with a calm, trusted person is essential for stabilizing your own nervous system.By mastering the art of regulation, we stop fighting against our unique wiring and start creating the calm, internal space needed to meet the world—and each other—with less stress and far more grace.

  4. 10/08/2025

    Part 1: We Go First -Emotional Regulation, Leadership, and the Trauma Informed Brain with Karol Cabaj-Martin

    In this critical episode, "We Go First - Emotional Regulation, Leadership, and the Trauma-Informed Brain" we dive deep into the science that explains why optimal learning and functioning are impossible when stress or isolation are present. I am honoured to be joined by Karol Cabaj-Martin, whose extensive expertise includes a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on trauma and resilience in an educational setting. As a mother of four, a seasoned educator, former principal, and current Director in her school division, Karol offers a unique blend of academic insight and practical experience. Together, we unpack the groundbreaking work of Dr. Bruce Perry and his Neurosequential Model, which illuminates the brain's reliance on sequential development, demonstrating how early life experiences literally form the structural blueprint of our nervous system. A central theme of our discussion is that emotional safety is not a soft skill, but the crucial, non-negotiable prerequisite for a regulated nervous system. When individuals don't feel safe, their brains are stuck in survival mode, making higher-level functions like learning and complex problem-solving inaccessible—a fundamental truth we explore: we cannot learn until we feel safe and connected. We discuss the profound implications of this knowledge for both educators and parents, detailing actionable, simple shifts that can be made to cultivate environments where children and adults feel truly seen, calm, and ready to engage. Furthermore, we examine the vital, biological importance of connection, highlighting how simple acts like consistent eye contact and fostering a strong sense of community are essential developmental nutrients for building healthier, more resilient people. This episode is a powerful call to action, arming listeners with the neuroscientific understanding needed to transform their approach to education and parenting by prioritizing connection and safety above all else.

  5. 06/06/2025

    Part 2: Cycle Syncing with Shaylie Lamoureux

    Have you ever felt out of sync? Or longed for a deeper connection to wisdom and community? This episode is for you. We unravel the magic of cycle syncing, a powerful tool for honoring your body's innate intelligence. Then, we look at the historical roots of disempowerment, tracing the fall of matriarchal societies and the pressures of maiden culture. Finally, we uncover the immense benefits of cultivating intergenerational communities, where wisdom and understanding is passed down. Tune in and let's reweave the fabric of connection with our bodies and each other!

  6. 04/14/2025

    Part 1: Womb Work with Shaylie Lamoureux

    In this first episode, Shaylie bravely shares her story of burnout and how she has transitioned away from rushing culture. This episode is an introduction to her deep knowledge of womb work, women's bodies and cycles, and has some beautiful and profound messages and strategies to help heal our feminine wounds from the past and set boundaries with our time. Shaylie's message is rooted in healing and helping to educate others about the knowledge that has helped her feel more present, connected ...

  7. 04/08/2025

    Season 2: Introduction

    I am back! Here is a brief explanation of what you can expect in the episodes to come. I have some amazing guests and stories to share with you. We are going to learn a lot this season and unpack some deep topics. I can't wait to share this with you.

    Season 2: Introduction

  8. 06/12/2024

    Episode 10: Personality Types

    In this episode, I describe the 4 personality types from the "True Colors - materials adapted by Raising Awareness Consulting Group." It is a personality quiz that I have used in my class over the last decade. It has helped me understand my students better and has helped me work on areas of my personality to grow and evolve into a more rounded individual. It is a great tool to use in workplaces and relationships as it helps one gain insight on others strengths and weaknesses. It helps to foster empathy and understanding. Please check it out and share with me your results! I can't wait to hear your feedback!

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About

From small town teacher to finding my voice. This is a podcast rooted in a love of learning, healing, and authentic story telling; where making mistakes and failing is encouraged as a means to learn and grow. My vision is to foster a community of hope by having hard and honest conversations about societal expectations and personal growth. This is going to be a messy, imperfect journey, but it will be worth it! 

Information

  • Creator
    Danica St. Arnault
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Finding My Small Town Voice
  • Show Website
    Finding My Small Town Voice

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